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Page 73
physicians who discoursed gravely of humors while their patients died.
Both of Ian's squires were a heavy responsibility. Owain was the eldest and most dearly loved of Lord Llewelyn's natural children. Since Llewelyn had married the natural daughter of King John and might be expected to have legitimate children, Owain was excluded from succession in Walesat least for the time being. Llewelyn had no intention of keeping this son in the shade or allowing him to grow up a rustic, and Owain had been entrusted to Ian to be given an elegant Norman polish. Owain had never given Ian any cause to worry or to fear Lord Llewelyn would be disappointed. He was quick to learn, merry of heart, strong and supple as well-tanned, well-braided hide, and solidly determined to make the most of every advantage and opportunity offered to him. Ian had already had two advantageous offers of marriage for Owain.
Geoffrey FitzWilliam was another matter entirely. One day Salisbury had commented favorably upon Ian's relationship with Owain. Naturally, Ian could not help expatiating on his own development under Simon's care and on his conviction that the best could only be drawn from a squire who loved and trusted as well as obeyed his lord. It was so innocent a discussion that Ian was surprised to hear Salisbury clear his throat awkwardly and to see, when his eyes were drawn by the sound, that Salisbury's color was considerably heightened.
''You do not think that bastardy stains the child?" he asked.
Ian looked at him in amazement. "How can it stain the child? The mother, yes; the fatherI think, yes, although God knows I am scarcely lily-white in continence myself, but I do not think any can claim me as father. But how the child? God knows the fruit of the union is innocent of all except the original sin of man, and that he bears whether born in or out of wedlock.

 
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